UN Mission Warns Iran’s Human Rights Crisis Could Worsen Amid Escalating Conflict

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran has warned that the country's already severe human rights situation could deteriorate further as tensions escalate following recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran's retaliatory strikes across the region.

The warning was issued alongside the Mission's latest report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, covering developments between April 2025 and 18 February 2026.

Repression Could Intensify During Conflict

The Mission said Iran's human rights crisis is already marked by institutionalised repression on a large scale, including violations that may amount to crimes against humanity. According to investigators, armed conflict and heightened security conditions risk intensifying these abuses.

The report notes that civilians—especially detainees—become particularly vulnerable during periods of conflict, while governments may expand crackdowns under the pretext of national security.

Investigators are continuing to gather evidence on the impact of the conflict on civilians and monitoring how existing patterns of repression may worsen during the crisis.

The Mission stressed that all parties involved in the conflict must strictly comply with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in military operations.

Concerns Over Internet Shutdowns

The report highlights the use of nationwide internet shutdowns by Iranian authorities as a tool to suppress dissent and limit information during crises.

Authorities imposed a shutdown beginning 28 February, which followed similar restrictions during protests in late 2025 and early 2026.

According to the Mission, such shutdowns prevent citizens from accessing information about security conditions, contacting family members, or documenting human rights abuses.

Investigators warned that digital restrictions are frequently used at moments when international scrutiny is most needed.

Findings on 2025 Conflict and Evin Prison Strike

The Mission also examined events during the 12-day Iran-Israel conflict in June 2025.

Investigators concluded there were reasonable grounds to believe the Israeli Defense Forces committed a war crime by intentionally targeting a civilian object during airstrikes on the Evin prison compound on 23 June 2025.

The attack reportedly killed around 80 people, including at least one child and eight women.

The report further states that Iranian authorities failed to adequately protect detainees before and after the strikes. Survivors were reportedly transferred under coercive conditions, with some detainees beaten at gunpoint, while families were denied information about detainees for months—actions the Mission says may amount to enforced disappearance.

Violent Crackdown on Nationwide Protests

Investigators documented a wave of nationwide protests beginning on 28 December 2025, triggered by worsening economic conditions.

According to the report, security forces responded with extensive lethal force, including the use of assault rifles and heavy machine guns.

The crackdown resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries, including serious eye injuries caused by metal pellet ammunition.

Authorities reportedly imposed a complete internet blackout lasting around 20 days during the protests.

Mass Arrests and Expanding Repression

The report says Iranian authorities arrested approximately 21,000 people following the June 2025 hostilities, often through checkpoint stops or home raids without clear legal grounds.

Those detained reportedly included:

• Journalists

• Lawyers

• Social media users calling for peace

The Mission also documented arbitrary arrests of minority groups, including Ahvazi Arabs and Kurds, as well as property confiscations targeting Bahá'ís because of their religious beliefs.

Record Number of Executions

The Mission reported an unprecedented surge in executions in Iran, with at least 1,639 executions recorded by the end of 2025.

Nearly half were linked to drug-related offences, while many convictions were reportedly based on confessions extracted through torture.

Investigators warned that several detainees currently face accelerated death penalty proceedings that violate international fair-trial standards.

Ongoing Persecution of Women and Girls

The report found that persecution of women and girls remains a core component of state policy, particularly through enforcement of the mandatory hijab law.

Women have reportedly been harassed, detained, and sometimes beaten for alleged violations of dress regulations.

Authorities have also publicly labelled women who oppose the hijab requirement as "enemies" or suffering from "mental disorder," according to statements cited in the report.

The Mission also documented 176 cases of femicide in 2025, noting that authorities often fail to investigate gender-motivated killings or deaths of women in custody.

Transnational Repression and Deportations

Investigators also raised concerns about transnational repression, including reported assassination attempts and digital threats targeting Iranian dissidents abroad.

Families of activists outside Iran have reportedly faced interrogation, harassment, or arrest inside the country.

The report also criticised the deportation of Afghan women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals from Iran to Afghanistan, warning that these actions violate the international legal principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning people to countries where they face serious harm.

Calls for International Action

The Fact-Finding Mission urged UN member states to pursue accountability measures, including using national legal frameworks to investigate and prosecute Iranian officials responsible for crimes under international law.

It also called for the preservation of evidence and the creation of legal pathways—such as humanitarian visas—to assist victims and their families.

Investigators reiterated earlier recommendations for establishing a Victims' Fund and providing medical and psychological support to survivors.

Urgent Call for De-escalation

The Mission concluded by urging the international community to take immediate diplomatic action to de-escalate the conflict and resume dialogue on peace and human rights.

It emphasised that any meaningful process must include women, youth, and minority groups in Iran to ensure broader participation in political and public life.